What’s the story?
Barcelona star Neymar received a red card in the La Liga game against Malaga, as the defending champions slumped to a 2-0 loss denting their La Liga aspirations. Neymar received two yellow cards on the night, which amounted to his sending off.
Also Read: Twitter Reacts to Neymar red card against Malaga
Normally it would be amounting to just a one match suspension, however, the Brazilian appeared to be applauding the fourth official when he headed down the tunnel, which might attract a longer period of suspension (2-3 games). That would mean that the Barcelona number 11 will be missing the all important La Liga game against El Clasico.
The context
Neymar was sent off in the 65th minute for what was his second yellow card of the night. The Brazilian’s first booking of the night came for obstructing a freekick when the winger seemed to be lacing his boots just in front of a Malaga set piece.
The second was for a challenge on Diego Llorente. The booking, at the moment, means that Neymar will miss the next fixture in the La Liga. However, referee Gil Manzano in his official report after the game has mentioned Neymar’s sarcastic applause, which could put the Barcelona man in jeopardy (according to La Liga rules).
The heart of the matter
With the La Liga title race heating up, El Clasico will definitely be a decisive factor in who eventually takes the trophy home. Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane will hope that they have the full quota of players to choose from.
Neymar has been in good form in the past month or so, and the X-factor he provides is important to Barcelona. The Brazilian almost single-handedly led the Camp Nou side to victory at the face of a Champions League exit.
What’s Next?
The eventual decision rests on the shoulders of the Spanish refereeing body, but the suspension looks increasingly likely with each passing second. The suspension would add 2-3 games to the already one match suspension he will be getting for his red card.
It will be interesting to see who plays in the absence of Neymar.
Author’s Take
Although it was the first red card of his career, Neymar should have known better than to sarcastically applaud an official given the repercussions. His suspension would greatly dent the chances of Barcelona winning the El Clasico and the La Liga.
Best of luck Paco Alcacer.
